[Chapter 174: Sleepless in Seattle Premiere, Naomi's Rising Star]
Linton was busy shooting a music video on set, while the North Arican film market continued to heat up. Jurassic Park kept soaring, becoming a phenonal hit. After its opening week box office surpassed $100 million, it pulled in another $45.6 million over the second weekend, holding the top spot by a wide margin.
On June 25th, another big film, Sleepless in Seattle, was set to premiere. The movie was written and directed by Oscar-winning screenwriter and renowned director Nora Ephron, starring Tom Hanks and Naomi Watts. The premiere was held on the evening of June 23rd at the grand theater.
Naomi had already prepared the premiere invitation for Linton. He had to cut his shooting short that day and attended the premiere with Catherine, warmly supporting Naomi.
Sleepless in Seattle was a deeply romantic romantic cody, a fairy-tale-like love story that touched hearts. Naomi's performance was highly praised, successfully portraying a new era woman bravely pursuing love. Tom Hanks delivered a superb acting performance, perfectly embodying his character's devotion to his wife, love for his son, and courage to start a new life, fully showcasing the traits of a loving male lead.
From Linton's perspective, Tom Hanks' performance was Oscar-winning material. He also couldn't spare praise during the guest sharing session. "The love story in Sleepless in Seattle deeply moved . It had a touching power that rekindled the yearning for love in couples uncertain on the road of love, fulfilling the audience's emotional desires for true and sincere love. Tom and Naomi's performances were fantastic; they successfully brought to life the protagonists Sam and Annie. I believe it will be the hottest, most candid, and funniest date movie this sumr."
Amidst applause, the host asked, "Linton, everyone says you're very accurate in predicting the box office. Can you forecast Sleepless in Seattle's box office?"
"With such a well-made and moving story, plus Tom Hanks and Naomi Watts, it will definitely be a box office hit."
"Can you give a specific number?"
"At least $100 million in North Arica."
The audience was stunned by his bold prediction. Though the film was good and touching, it was still just a romantic film. Although called a big movie, it wasn't a blockbuster like action, war, or sci-fi genre with huge budgets; the investnt was less than $30 million. For it to surpass $100 million dostically would an big profits for Columbia TriStar Pictures.
Is that possible? Actually, not more than 10 films each year break $100 million in North Arica.
"Are you sure about $100 million?" the host asked excitedly.
"Yes, I'm sure," Linton replied.
"What's your basis?"
"I already explained," Linton said, unwilling to elaborate further since it wasn't his ho court, and he had no collaboration with Columbia TriStar. He didn't want to steal the lilight from the film's main team.
---
Late at night, Naomi managed to evade paparazzi and quietly ca to Linton's estate. Without a word, she jumped straight into their intimate gas with the group. Two hours later, during a break, Naomi lay happily on Linton's shoulder and asked, "Darling, you said Sleepless in Seattle would break $100 million here. Is that true?"
Not only Naomi but Catherine and Monica looked on with concern. Crossing the $100 million mark would greatly boost her profile.
Naomi, having starred in Step Up, wasn't a top box office draw yet, but the film's blockbuster performance had pushed her into the rising star tier in Hollywood. Her salary had jumped to $3 million. If Sleepless in Seattle also broke $100 million dostically, that would be two major hits starring Naomi in a row.
With these achievents, she would truly enter the top-tier female star league, potentially raising her pay to $6 million and becoming one of Hollywood's leading ladies, just behind Julia Roberts.
"Don't worry, when have I ever gotten box office predictions wrong? I think $100 million is just the baseline. If the follow-up promotion is strong, it might even catch up to Step Up in the North Arican market."
"Muah... thank you. It's because you encouraged that I fought hard for and landed the lead role."
"The production company valued your fa and solid acting -- it was deserved."
"No, it was your insight. You know, the first choice was Julia Roberts, but she passed. Because she passed, and I fought so hard, they picked . I wonder if she regrets it now?"
"Julia Roberts' status doesn't lack good scripts. She might feel a little regret, but probably not much. Ultimately, it's your own fa, image, and acting skills."
"Julia Roberts rejected Sleepless in Seattle?"
"Was Naomi joining Sleepless in Seattle your suggestion?"
Catherine and Monica's eyes shone when hearing their exchange. Before becoming famous, actresses always grasped every chance tightly. After fa, choosing projects smartly beca critical. So chose blockbusters or award-winning films, propelling their careers, while others picked wrong projects that flopped, declining their star power.
Now hearing Linton both managed resources and could predict a project's value gave them great excitent. They decided to follow all Linton's plans tightly in their careers and never let go of his support.
"Darling, enough talk. I'm leaving early tomorrow morning for a busy promotional tour. We probably won't see each other for a long ti. Shall we make the most of our ti now?"
"Yes, let's celebrate Naomi together!" Catherine and Monica responded in unison.
They resud the ga, with sweet and joyful singing filling the room.
*****
spatreon/Sayonara816.
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